Crispy & Flaky Salmon with Homemade Tartar Sauce
Pan-Seared Salmon with a Rich Tartar Sauce
This recipe features beautifully pan-seared salmon, achieving a perfect crispy exterior and a moist, flaky interior. It’s complemented by a homemade tartar sauce, which is wonderfully versatile and pairs exceptionally well with fried foods, seafood, and salads. Elevate your meal with this delightful combination.
Main Ingredients- 1 Salmon fillet (approx. 200-250g)
Salmon Marinade- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking sake)
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Tartar Sauce Ingredients- 3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1/8 Onion (finely minced)
- A small amount of Carrot (finely minced)
- 1-2 Dill Pickles (finely minced)
- 3 tsp Oligodang (or honey)
- 1 tsp Vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking sake)
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Tartar Sauce Ingredients- 3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1/8 Onion (finely minced)
- A small amount of Carrot (finely minced)
- 1-2 Dill Pickles (finely minced)
- 3 tsp Oligodang (or honey)
- 1 tsp Vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the salmon for pan-searing. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Brush both sides evenly with 1 tablespoon of mirin (or cooking sake) to help eliminate any fishy odor. Then, generously sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Let it marinate for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add just a tiny drizzle of oil – enough to lightly coat the pan. Carefully place the marinated salmon, skin-side down, into the hot skillet. Sear for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the salmon and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, or until cooked to your desired doneness. Avoid overcooking to maintain a moist and flaky texture.
Step 3
While the salmon is cooking, let’s make the tartar sauce. Finely mince the onion, carrot, and dill pickles. Using a knife or a food processor, ensure they are chopped into very small, uniform pieces for the best texture. Place all the minced ingredients into a small mixing bowl.
Step 4
Now, add the remaining tartar sauce ingredients to the bowl with the minced vegetables. Stir in 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 3 teaspoons of oligodang (or honey), and 1 teaspoon of vinegar. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon or a small whisk until well combined and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more mayonnaise; if you prefer a thinner consistency, a tiny splash of milk can be used. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, perhaps with a touch of sugar or lemon juice for extra brightness.
Step 5
Once the salmon is perfectly seared, place it onto a serving plate. You can serve it whole or cut into manageable portions. Generously spoon the freshly made tartar sauce over the salmon. This dish is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately while warm for the best experience. It’s delicious on its own or served with a side of salad or rice for a complete meal.
